Domestic workers are entitled to Unemployment Benefits upon the termination of their employment in the following circumstances:

• the period of their employment was for more than 14 days;

• the reason for their unemployment is:

1. the termination of the domestic worker’s employment and/or the dismissal of the domestic worker (i.e. for misconduct, incapacity or retrenchment);
2. the expiry of a fixed-term contract of employment; or
3. the death of the domestic worker (i.e. dependents can claim) or the employer.

The following forms must be completed / documents provided in order for an employee to obtain UIF Unemployment Benefits:

• a UI 2.1 application for Unemployment Benefits (completed by employee);
• a UI 6A declaration to confirm unemployment status (completed by employee);
• a UI 2.8 Application for monies to be paid directly into employee’s bank account (completed by employee and his/her Bank);
• a copy of the employee’s Identity Document (provided by employee);
• a UI 2.7 record of monies received by domestic worker (completed by employer);
• salary schedule form (completed by employer);
• a UI 19 declaration form (completed by employer).

Click to download copies of the above forms to claim unemployment benefits.  Copies of the completed forms can either be submitted through the uFiling website or alternatively be sent by way of email to vosupport@labour.gov.za

Claims for UIF Unemployment Benefits can be made up to 12 months after the termination of employment but condonation can be obtained where a timeous application is not made, provided that the domestic worker can show good cause for failing to apply timeously.

Click to download the UIF User Guide to assist you with applying for unemployment benefits for your domestic worker online. Alternatively, domestic workers can apply themselves at a Labour Centre..

The determination of the amount payable is made with reference to the maximum amount payable, the remuneration paid to the domestic worker and the number of days worked by the domestic worker. There is accordingly no hard and fast rule regarding what will be paid out.